Kelly Preston Then and Now

Kelly Preston Then

Kelly Preston, born Kelly Kamalelehua Smith on October 13, 1962, in Honolulu, Hawaii, had a childhood marked by significant transitions and diverse experiences. 

Her early years were shaped by the tragic loss of her father, who drowned when she was just three years old. 

Following this, her mother, Linda, who worked as an administrator at a mental health center, remarried Peter Palzis, a personnel director. 

From this union, Preston gained a half-brother, Chris, enriching her family dynamics.

Growing up, Preston’s life was anything but static. She lived in various locations around the globe, including Hawaii, Iraq, and Australia. 

These international moves not only exposed her to different cultures but also played a crucial role in shaping her future career. 

At the age of 16, while residing in Australia, Preston was discovered by a fashion photographer. 

This serendipitous encounter led to early work in commercials, marking the beginning of her journey in the entertainment industry. 

During this formative period, she adopted the stage name Preston, transitioning from her birth surname to better fit her burgeoning career.

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Her academic pursuits further reflected her passion for the arts. After graduating from Punahou School in Honolulu in 1980, Preston continued her education at the University of Southern California. 

There, she delved into drama and theater studies, laying the groundwork for her future as an actress. 

These experiences and educational choices helped refine her talents and prepare her for a successful career in Hollywood.

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Kelly Preston Acting Career

In her early 20s, Kelly Preston embarked on a promising acting career while living in California. 

She tirelessly auditioned for roles in television and film, striving to establish herself in the competitive entertainment industry. 

Her breakthrough came in 1985 with a notable role as Marilyn McCauley in the film “Mischief,” which showcased her potential. 

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This was quickly followed by another role in the teen comedy “Secret Admirer.” 

Her versatility was further highlighted in 1986 with a role in the space-themed film “SpaceCamp.” 

Preston’s career continued to flourish with a significant role in the 1988 comedy “Twins,” where she starred alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito. 

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The 1996 film “Jerry Maguire,” in which she acted opposite Tom Cruise, marked another high point in her career, cementing her status as a talented actress.

The latter part of the 1990s saw Preston maintaining a busy schedule with a series of notable roles. 

She appeared in “For Love of the Game” with Kevin Costner, showcasing her ability to hold her own alongside established stars. 

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Her role in the 1998 film “Holy Man,” which featured Eddie Murphy and Jeff Goldblum, further demonstrated her range as an actress. 

Additionally, Preston was seen in “Nothing to Lose” (1997) with Martin Lawrence and Tim Robbins, and in “Jack Frost” (1998), adding to her diverse filmography.

Entering the new millennium, Preston continued to navigate her acting career with notable roles. 

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In 2000, she played the on-screen girlfriend of her real-life husband, John Travolta’s character, in “Battlefield Earth.” 

Her performance in the film earned her a nomination for the Golden Raspberry Awards, where she won the “Worst Supporting Actress” category—a testament to the film’s mixed reception. 

In 2004, Preston appeared in Maroon 5’s music video for “She Will Be Loved,” showcasing her adaptability in different entertainment mediums. 

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She continued to explore various roles, including a superhero mother in the 2005 film “Sky High” and a role in the crime thriller “Death Sentence” (2007) opposite Kevin Bacon. 

Her television work included a recurring role in “Medium” and appearances in the 2008 Lifetime original film “The Tenth Circle,” alongside an ensemble cast.

In the later years of her career, Preston’s acting roles became less frequent. 

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She shifted her focus to television and advertising, notably becoming a spokesperson for the skincare brand Neutrogena. 

Her final film appearance was in “Off the Rails,” a 2021 comedy-drama following three friends on a European adventure, marking a poignant end to her diverse and impactful acting career.

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Kelly Preston Movies

• The Blue Light (1988)
• Mischief (1985) 
• Secret Admirer (1985) 
• SpaceCamp (1986)
• Twins (1988) 
• The Experts (1989) 
• Jerry Maguire (1996)
• For Love of the Game (1999) 
• Nothing to Lose (1997) 
• Jack Frost (1998) 
• Battlefield Earth (2000) 
• The Cat in the Hat (2003)
• Sky High (2005) 
• Death Sentence (2007)
• The Tenth Circle (2008)
• Gotti”(2018) 
• Off the Rails (2021)

Kelly Preston’s Personal Life

In 1985, Kelly Preston’s personal life intersected with her professional career when she married actor Kevin Gage. 

However, their marriage was short-lived, ending in divorce just two years later in 1987. 

During the late 1980s, Preston had a brief romantic involvement with George Clooney before entering into a more serious relationship with Charlie Sheen. 

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The relationship with Sheen was marked by turbulence, including a notorious incident in which Sheen accidentally shot Preston in the wrist, leading to their engagement being abruptly called off in 1990.

Amidst this tumultuous period, Preston was working on the film “The Experts,” where she met and subsequently began dating co-star John Travolta. 

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Their relationship flourished, leading to their marriage in September 1991 at the Hotel de Crillon in Paris. 

However, their first wedding was performed by a French Scientology minister, which was not recognized by U.S. law, prompting the couple to hold a second ceremony a week later in Florida to validate their union. 

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Both Preston and Travolta were dedicated Scientologists, which played a significant role in their personal and professional lives.

Throughout their marriage, Preston and Travolta became parents to three children: Jett, Ella, and Benjamin. Their family life was marked by both joy and profound tragedy. 

In January 2009, while vacationing in the Bahamas, their eldest son Jett passed away from a seizure, a tragic event compounded by his previous diagnosis of autism and a history of seizures. 

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The aftermath of Jett’s death led to a legal controversy involving an alleged extortion attempt. Preston and Travolta claimed that Bahamian government officials attempted to extort money from them in relation to their son’s death. 

The case, which resulted in an initial mistrial, was eventually dropped after the Travolta family decided to withdraw the charges against the defendants. 

This period of their lives highlighted the challenges they faced both personally and publicly while navigating the loss of their child and the ensuing legal and media scrutiny.

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Kelly Preston Now

Kelly Preston, known professionally for her vibrant acting career, passed away on July 12, 2020, at the age of 57. 

Preston’s death came after a private and courageous battle with breast cancer, which she chose to keep largely out of the public eye. 

Diagnosed with the disease two years prior, she underwent treatment in hopes of overcoming it but ultimately succumbed to the illness in Clearwater, Florida.

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Preston’s career spanned over four decades, during which she made significant contributions to both film and television. 

She appeared in more than 60 productions, leaving a lasting impression with her performances in notable films such as Mischief (1985), Twins (1988), Jerry Maguire (1996), and For Love of the Game (1999). 

Her work demonstrated a wide range of acting skills, from comedic roles to dramatic portrayals.

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Her passing marked the end of a significant era in Hollywood, where she had been a beloved figure both on and off-screen. 

Preston’s decision to keep her illness private reflected her desire to maintain a level of normalcy and dignity amidst her struggles. 

Her legacy continues through her memorable roles and the impact she made on her colleagues and fans alike.

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Kelly Preston’s Net Worth

At the time of her death, Kelly Preston had amassed a net worth of $180 million, reflecting her successful career as both an actress and former model. 

This substantial financial achievement underscored the significant impact she had in the entertainment industry, where her diverse roles and high-profile projects contributed to her considerable wealth. 

Her financial success was a testament to her talent and the lasting impression she made through her work in film and television.

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